Number of employees working excessive hours rises across the Midlands

The number of people working excessive hours is on the rise Credit: Klaus Rose/DPA/Press Association Images

The number of people working excessive hours in the East Midlands has risen by 18% since 2010 and by 10% in the West Midlands, according to TUC analysis published today.

Many people are working unpaid overtime and at least a million people report that they want to cut their excessive hours.

All areas of the UK have seen an increase in the number of long-hour workers, with the East Midlands ranked fourth.

Across the UK, those working long hours are still disproportionally men, 2,544,00, compared to 873,000 women.

However, the number of women working 48 hour plus weeks has increased by 18% since 2010, compared to a 15% increase with men.

Regularly working more than 48 hours per week is linked to a significantly increased risk of developing heart disease, stress, mental illness, strokes and diabetes.

Illnesses caused by excessive working time put extra strain on the health service and the benefits system, as well as impacting on co-workers, friends and relatives.

Many long-hour employees report that they feel pressured to 'opt-out' from the 48 hour limit Credit: Lauren Hurley/PA Wire/Press Association Images

The TUC say the government should reassess its negative view of the EU working Time Directive, which has been brought into UK law and stipulates a 48-hour working week.